Fatty Liver Disease Clinical Research

Fatty liver disease, also known as steatosis, is a common condition where fat has built up in the liver. This condition is most common among alcoholics, but fatty liver disease can present itself in nonalcoholic individuals.

Unfortunately, there is no medication or particular treatment for fatty liver disease as of yet. Your best option is to take steps to prevent the development of excess fat in the liver. This is why fatty liver disease clinical research is so important!

Here at Achieve Clinical Research, we are conducting fatty liver disease clinical trial in Birmingham, Alabama to find new and more effective treatment methods. Clinical research has the potential to discover better prevention options and potentially develop medication to treat patients with fatty liver disease.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

When the liver has a between 5% to 10% or more fat it is considered to be fatty, however it is normal to have a small percentage of fat in the liver. When too much fat has built up in the liver it can impede the liver’s ability to perform normal functions. In cases where fatty liver is not addressed and allowed to persist for long periods of time cirrhosis of the liver can occur.

Fatty liver can manifest in two forms:

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

As you may have guessed, alcoholic fatty liver disease derives from excessive consumption of alcohol. Often a major issue for alcoholics, binge drinking will cause damage to the liver and impair its ability to break down alcohol and fats.

Some people may be at a higher risk for developing alcoholic fatty liver disease due to genetics, a history of alcoholism in the family, obesity, hepatitis C, or an excess of iron in the blood. The good news is abstaining from alcohol for a period of 6 weeks or more can reduce the fat in the liver a decrease the risk of developing liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when the liver’s weight is more than 10% fat in people who are not alcoholics. The liver begins to swell and normal functions are interrupted. If ignored this condition can eventually cause liver failure.

It can be very difficult to determine the cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is more likely to occur in people who are:

Obese

Diagnosed with diabetes

Between ages 40 and 60

Malnourished

In rare cases fatty liver disease can develop in pregnant women. Although rare, it is a very serious and potentially deadly complication for both the mother and the unborn child. This can lead to infection, bleeding or liver failure. Fortunately, in most cases the condition begins to heal after birth and will not cause permanent damage.

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease

While there can be several influences that ultimately culminate in the development of fatty liver disease, certain things may put you at greater risk than others. If you want to know what your risk of fatty liver disease is, you should consider these factors:

Do you drink excessive amounts of alcohol? (More than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women)

Do you have high cholesterol?

Is there a family history of alcoholism and liver disease?

Are you malnourished?

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

Do you take a higher dose of over-the-counter medicine than is recommended?

Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease?

These circumstances can put you at a much greater risk for developing fatty liver disease. If any of these apply to you, it is important to talk with your doctor about your risk and how you can take steps to prevent liver disease from developing.

Cirrhosis of the liver is also a common risk associated with fatty liver disease that can occur in cases where fatty liver disease is ignored and not treated. Cirrhosis causes a scarring of the liver and can lead to serious complications such as jaundice and liver failure.

How do I avoid Fatty Liver Disease?

The best method for avoiding fatty liver disease is prevention. For alcoholics it is important to try and quit or greatly decrease alcohol consumption. This will allow your liver to heal and begin functioning more effectively.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to actively manage your diabetes and recommended medication. With proper management of your diabetes you can help promote your liver’s health and your health in general.

Regular exercise can also help prevent fatty liver disease. Just half an hour of exercise a few days each week can promote a healthy weight and fight the buildup of fat in the liver.

Liver Disease Clinical Trials in Birmingham, Alabama

Are interested in participating in a fatty liver disease clinical trial?

We’re available to answer your questions and get you enrolled in one of our studies. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the clinical research process should spend some time in our participant resource section.

Qualified participants can receive compensation for their time and necessary travel. They’ll also receive the following free of charge:

Physical examinations

Laboratory services

Study related medication

Our team is conducting clinical trials for a wide range of medical conditions here in Birmingham. This means that we likely have an enrolling study that you can qualify for, even if you do not have fatty liver disease. If you are interested in helping us advance modern medicine and save more lives, please give us a call today at (205) 757-8208.